Members and staff from the UK's largest union gathered for a rally in Ipswich as they campaign for better pay for public service workers.

The rally was held outside Endeavour House, the offices of Suffolk County Council, and was run by UNISON, which serves more than 1.3million members nationwide.

They were rallying for more pay for those that work in the public sector so that employees get a pay rise of 2% above inflation.

Sudbury Mercury: The rally happened outside the offices of Suffolk County Council in Ipswich. Credit: Tom CannThe rally happened outside the offices of Suffolk County Council in Ipswich. Credit: Tom Cann (Image: Tom Cann)

Since 2010, the value of local government pay has fallen by 25% compared with the cost of living, UNISON said.

The wage offer made by the local government employers was £1,925, it added.

General secretary of UNISON Christina McAnea said: "Enough is enough.

Sudbury Mercury: UNISON general secretary, Christina McAnea. Credit: Tom CannUNISON general secretary, Christina McAnea. Credit: Tom Cann (Image: Tom Cann)

"The offer that has been made doesn't even begin to touch the sides of the inflation impact on their lives and their ability to feed their families and pay their rents and mortgages.

"We just have to highlight the fact that staff can't be expected to just keep delivering.

"What will happen if they don't get this, is they will leave and we are already seeing staff leave essential jobs.

Sudbury Mercury: People gathered in the sun to rally for better pay. Credit: Tom CannPeople gathered in the sun to rally for better pay. Credit: Tom Cann (Image: Tom Cann)

"A teaching assistant at a school looking after a child with special needs would probably get more money per hour working at a local supermarket."

Neil Bland, Suffolk County branch secretary, added: "We are balloting to try ad get our members to vote to take industrial action because we need to make a stand.

"We need to make sure that we get better power for those people that provide vital services out in the community."

Sudbury Mercury: Neil Bland, from UNISON. Credit: Tom CannNeil Bland, from UNISON. Credit: Tom Cann (Image: Tom Cann)

Tim Roberts, Eastern Region secretary, said: "It is an insult how much they are being offered.

"When you think about how expensive your shopping can be, it has gone up, yet pay for these important workers has stayed the same.

Sudbury Mercury: Tim Roberts from UNISON. Credit: Tom CannTim Roberts from UNISON. Credit: Tom Cann (Image: Tom Cann)

"I have never known anyone, who worked for the local government, to have to rely on food banks."

UNISON members have the chance to vote for industrial action in these sectors of work by July 4.

Sudbury Mercury: People outside Endeavour House for the UNISON rally. Credit: Tom CannPeople outside Endeavour House for the UNISON rally. Credit: Tom Cann (Image: Tom Cann)